- Norris was found guilty of illegally overtaking Verstappen during the race in the United States.
- The duo is fighting in their bid to win the championship at the end of the season.
- Verstappen now accuses his rival of complaining too much at the end of the call
Max Verstappen defended his defensive tactics at Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, accusing Lando Norris’ McLaren team of “complaining a lot lately.”
Verstappen extended his championship lead to 57 points after Norris dropped to fourth, one place behind the Dutchman, after serving a five-second penalty for overtaking him off the track.
Norris accused the stewards of “rushing” their decision, and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella added: “The defending car (Verstappen) goes straight to the apex.” Max is as far off the track as Lando, giving Lando no chance to complete the maneuver.
‘How many times has Max used this way of defending himself? They both deviate and both gain advantage. If an advantage was gained, at least it was neutral.”
McLaren also raised concerns about an in-car device that allows Red Bull to adjust the ride height of its cars, implying it has been used in contradiction to the rule prohibiting modifications between qualifying and the race. Red Bull denies having used it in this way.
Lando Norris (pictured) has complained too much, according to his rival Max Verstappen
Verstappen (pictured) leads the race to win the drivers’ championship at the end of the season.
Norris was deemed to have illegally overtaken Verstappen in the closing stages of Sunday’s race.
Verstappen responded by saying: “They complain a lot lately.” But it is very clear and it is in the rules: if you are outside the white line you cannot pass. I was penalized for that in the past too.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “It was very clear that the pass was made off the track, so Lando should have given it back.” It was a total success.
Formula One travels to Mexico City this weekend with 146 points up for grabs across the final five races.
